A tale of two cities: San Antonio vs. Miami

As the NBA Finals approach, comparisons arise, not only between teams but the cities as well. Take a look at the contrast between San Antonio and Miami's cultures and what each city has to offer.

By Emily Bamforth and Merrisa Brown, mySA.com

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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River Walk

As the NBA Finals approach, comparisons arise, not only between teams but the cities as well.
Take a look at the contrast between San Antonio and Miami's cultures and what each city has to offer.

San Antonio plays host to the River Walk, which lays one story beneath the automobile streets of the city. More than 20 events take place on the River Walk every year, according to the River Walk website. Boats run down the river for tours, and restaurants and businesses line the two parallel streets which cover approximately five miles of San Antonio. less

As the NBA Finals approach, comparisons arise, not only between teams but the cities as well. Take a look at the contrast between San Antonio and Miami's cultures and what each city has to offer.

As the NBA Finals approach, comparisons arise, not only between... Photo-4382960.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Miami Riverwalk

Along the Miami River and the Biscanye Bay, pedestrians can stroll along the Miami Riverwalk. Running through Bayfront Park, the walkway is the location of the Miami Riverwalk Festival, which was started in 2008 and takes place in November. The path is approximately one mile long. less

Along the Miami River and the Biscanye Bay, pedestrians can stroll along the Miami Riverwalk. Running through Bayfront Park, the walkway is the location of the Miami Riverwalk Festival, which was started in ... more

Photo: Marc Averette, Wikimedia Commons

Along the Miami River and the Biscanye Bay, pedestrians can stroll... Photo-4740683.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Beaches

One of the primary attractions in Miami is the proximity to many different beaches. Beaches in the Miami area include North Shore Open Space Park, Miami Beach and South Beach. San Antonio, due to its inland location, is approximately two to three hours away from a beach. less

One of the primary attractions in Miami is the proximity to many different beaches. Beaches in the Miami area include North Shore Open Space Park, Miami Beach and South Beach. San Antonio, due to its inland ... more

Photo: AP

One of the primary attractions in Miami is the proximity to many... Photo-2921436.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Temperature

In a study using data obtained from "A Climatology of Apparent Temperature," Miami and San Antonio stack up differently when it comes to heat and climate. San Antonio tends to run hotter, having 89 days fall above 105 degrees in apparent heat compared to Miami's 72. San Antonio also had 84 days above 105 due to humidity, as opposed to Miami's 72. less

In a study using data obtained from "A Climatology of Apparent Temperature," Miami and San Antonio stack up differently when it comes to heat and climate. San Antonio tends to run hotter, having 89 days fall ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

In a study using data obtained from "A Climatology of Apparent... Photo-3302807.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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SeaWorld

SeaWorld San Antonio covers 250 acres of the Westover Hills district in San Antonio. The theme park includes an oceanarium, an animal theme park and marine mammal exhibits. There is also a partner water park called Aquatica. During its first year in 1988, 3.3 million people visited the park. SeaWorld San Antonio also has rides in the park. Zagat rates the park at 21/30 for overall score. less

SeaWorld San Antonio covers 250 acres of the Westover Hills district in San Antonio. The theme park includes an oceanarium, an animal theme park and marine mammal exhibits. There is also a partner water park ... more

The Miami Seaquarium has been present near downtown Miami since 1955. The attraction is 38 acres and the oldest oceanarium in the United States. The Seaquarium brought in more than 500,000 visitors last year, according to its website. Along with the attractions and shows that take place in the Seaquarium, the site is also home to education and conservation programs, including one of the first successful manatee breeding efforts. It currently scores 21/30 for appeal from Zagat. less

The Miami Seaquarium has been present near downtown Miami since 1955. The attraction is 38 acres and the oldest oceanarium in the United States. The Seaquarium brought in more than 500,000 visitors last year, ... more

Photo: Lynne Sladky, AP

The Miami Seaquarium has been present near downtown Miami since... Photo-3205519.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Housing prices

According to CNNMoney.com, buying real estate in Miami is pricier than in San Antonio. The median cost of a home in 2013's Third Quarter was $235,000 in Miami, compared to $175,000 in the Alamo City.

According to CNNMoney.com, buying real estate in Miami is pricier than in San Antonio. The median cost of a home in 2013's Third Quarter was $235,000 in Miami, compared to $175,000 in the Alamo City.

San Antonio is home to The Alamo, which is located in downtown's Alamo Plaza. More than 2.5 million people per year come to see the attraction, according to the landmark's website. The location was the site of critical turning points in the Texas Revolution. Admission to the Alamo is free. less

San Antonio is home to The Alamo, which is located in downtown's Alamo Plaza. More than 2.5 million people per year come to see the attraction, according to the landmark's website. The location was the site of ... more

Photo: CYNTHIA ESPARZA, For The San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio is home to The Alamo , which is located in... Photo-4512699.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Considered the “Ellis Island of the South”, Miami'sFreedom Tower stands at 17 stories tall and contains over 82,000 square feet of space. It was originally home to the Miami Daily News, but eventually was leased by the government to assist Cuban refugees. It served this purpose as the Cuban Assistance Center from 1962 to 1974. Today it is a premier exhibition space and gallery for Miami Dade College and a National Historic Landmark. less

Considered the “Ellis Island of the South”, Miami's Freedom Tower stands at 17 stories tall and contains over 82,000 square feet of space. It was originally home to the Miami Daily News, but eventually was ... more

Photo: AL DIAZ, AP

Considered the “Ellis Island of the South”, Miami's... Photo-4745985.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Unemployment Rates

San Antonio's and Miami's unemployment rates for April 2014 were both below the national average of 5.9 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But at 4.4 percent, more in San Antonio are employed than in Miami, where the rate is 5.8 percent. less

San Antonio's and Miami's unemployment rates for April 2014 were both below the national average of 5.9 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But at 4.4 percent, more in San Antonio are ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

San Antonio's and Miami's unemployment rates for April... Photo-4539949.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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2011 Most Miserable City

In 2011, Forbes rated Miami, Fla., as the most miserable city in the county. At time, according to the website, 364,000 foreclosures took place in Miami since 2008, as a result of the housing crisis. Forbes rated the cities based on 10 different factors, such as taxes, commute time and violent crime. Two hundred metro areas were evaluated. less

In 2011, Forbes rated Miami, Fla., as the most miserable city in the county. At time, according to the website, 364,000 foreclosures took place in Miami since 2008, as a result of the housing crisis. Forbes ... more

Photo: Marc Averette, Wikimedia Commons

In 2011, Forbes rated Miami, Fla., as the most miserable city in... Photo-4740684.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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2011 Best-performing city

San Antonio was number one on the list of best-performing cities in 2011. The ranking was a product of the Milken Insitute. The criteria evaluated cities based on ability to create and sustain jobs. A previous San Antonio Express-News article, attributed the ranking to other cities going through rough economic times, tourism and the shale and oil industry presence in San Antonio, among other factors. less

San Antonio was number one on the list of best-performing cities in 2011. The ranking was a product of the Milken Insitute. The criteria evaluated cities based on ability to create and sustain jobs. A previous ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio was number one on the list of best-performing cities... Photo-4403941.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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VIA San Antonio trolleys

Along with the regular VIA buses that operate in San Antonio come the VIA trolleys, which serve the downtown area. Modeled after old streetcars reminiscent of those found in locations like San Francisco, the trolleys are propane powered and air conditioned. It costs $1.20 to ride. less

Along with the regular VIA buses that operate in San Antonio come the VIA trolleys, which serve the downtown area. Modeled after old streetcars reminiscent of those found in locations like San Francisco, the ... more

Photo: JIM BEAL JR., SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Along with the regular VIA buses that operate in San Antonio come... Photo-4745968.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Miami Metrorail

Riding the Metrorail can provide easy transportation for Miami inhabitants. Run on a 25 mile dual track, the elevated rail system stops at 23 stations. Fare is $2.25 for the Metrorail.

Riding the Metrorail can provide easy transportation for Miami inhabitants. Run on a 25 mile dual track, the elevated rail system stops at 23 stations. Fare is $2.25 for the Metrorail.

Whataburger’s headquarters are located in San Antonio. The burger joint, which started in Corpus Christi, has now expanded to include 700 restaurants. The chain celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2010.

Whataburger’s headquarters are located in San Antonio. The burger joint, which started in Corpus Christi, has now expanded to include 700 restaurants. The chain celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2010.

Whataburger ’s headquarters are located in San Antonio. The... Photo-4582946.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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More than 11 million guests visit Burger King daily. The global chain’s headquarters are located in Miami. The corporation was founded in 1954. The signature burger for the chain is the Whopper, and in 2007 celebrated its 50th anniversary of the menu item’s creation less

More than 11 million guests visit Burger King daily. The global chain’s headquarters are located in Miami. The corporation was founded in 1954. The signature burger for the chain is the Whopper, and in 2007 ... more

Photo: J. Pat Carter, Associated Press

More than 11 million guests visit Burger King daily. The global... Photo-3462358.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Signature sweets: Tres leches cake

Those looking for a sugar rush in San Antonio can order tres leches cake. The dessert is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk. Tres leches cake is popular in popular in parts of Latin America. less

Those looking for a sugar rush in San Antonio can order tres leches cake. The dessert is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk. Tres leches cake is popular ... more

Those looking for a sugar rush in San Antonio can order tres... Photo-3866195.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Signature sweets: Key lime pie

Originating in Key West, key lime pie is popular for Miami’s dessert-lovers. The pie is the official state pie of Florida. The filling for the pie is made with key lime juice, egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. less

Originating in Key West, key lime pie is popular for Miami’s dessert-lovers. The pie is the official state pie of Florida. The filling for the pie is made with key lime juice, egg yolk and sweetened condensed ... more

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Originating in Key West, key lime pie is popular for Miami’s... Photo-3126408.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Cooling summer treat: Raspa

A prolific warm-weather snack in San Antonio is the raspa. The word raspa is used in Mexico and South American Spanish-speaking countries, stemming from the Spanish word for scraped, “raspado.” Made from shaved ice and flavoring, stalls peddling the icy confections can be found in locations such as Alamo Plaza. Flavors change depending on each vendor, using either artificial to natural syrups. less

A prolific warm-weather snack in San Antonio is the raspa. The word raspa is used in Mexico and South American Spanish-speaking countries, stemming from the Spanish word for scraped, “raspado.” Made from ... more

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A prolific warm-weather snack in San Antonio is the raspa . The... Photo-924407.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Cooling summertime treat: Mojitos

A way to escape from the toasty Miami weather is the city’s unofficial signature drink, the mojito. The drink is traditionally made from white rum, sugar (in the form of sugarcane juice), lime juice and mint. The mojito originated in Cuba, and many different twists can be added to the mojito by adding different flavors, such as blackberry or watermelon. less

A way to escape from the toasty Miami weather is the city’s unofficial signature drink, the mojito. The drink is traditionally made from white rum, sugar (in the form of sugarcane juice), lime juice and mint. ... more

Photo: Helen L. Montoya, San Antonio Express-News

A way to escape from the toasty Miami weather is the city’s... Photo-3883178.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Potent local portable: Lone Star

The first large mechanized brewery in Texas belonged to Lone Star, which is now marketed as “The National Beer of Texas.” The building is located in San Antonio and is now the San Antonio Museum of Art. Pabst Brewing Company purchased Lone Star in 1999 and kept the brewing in Texas. Lone Star is 4.72 percent ABV. less

The first large mechanized brewery in Texas belonged to Lone Star, which is now marketed as “The National Beer of Texas.” The building is located in San Antonio and is now the San Antonio Museum of Art. ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

The first large mechanized brewery in Texas belonged to Lone Star... Photo-4052110.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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Potent local portable: LandShark Lager

LandShark Lager is brewed approximately five hours away from Miami in Jacksonville, Fla. LandShark is a pale lager at 4.7 percent ABV. For the year of 2009 under a sponsorship deal, the Sun Life Stadium, home for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes, was dubbed “LandShark Stadium”. The brand also has restaurants in Pensacola, Myrtle Beach and Atlantic City. less

LandShark Lager is brewed approximately five hours away from Miami in Jacksonville, Fla. LandShark is a pale lager at 4.7 percent ABV. For the year of 2009 under a sponsorship deal, the Sun Life Stadium, home ... more

Photo: Flickr.

LandShark Lager is brewed approximately five hours away... Photo-4746502.63927 - San Antonio Express-News

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NBA Titles

Currently, San Antonio has won more NBA titles than Miami. San Antonio has racked up four titles compared to Miami's three.

Currently, San Antonio has won more NBA titles than Miami. San Antonio has racked up four titles compared to Miami's three.

Currently, San Antonio has won more NBA titles than Miami. San... Photo-3061643.63927 - San Antonio Express-News